Escape to King, North Carolina, for a cozy February getaway featuring historic charm, upscale dining, and secret speakeasy cocktails.
City of King, Stokes County, NC
February, 2026
Forget the frantic pace of the big city; this February, the crown jewel of romance is tucked away in the rolling foothills of North Carolina. King transforms into a cozy sanctuary for lovers looking to swap crowded sidewalks for small-town charm and high-end hospitality. Whether the winter air is crisp or a rare Southern dusting of snow covers the ground, the town provides the perfect backdrop for a “royal” rendezvous.
Your romantic odyssey begins long before the first cork is popped. Spend a golden February afternoon at King Central Park, where the winter light filters through the trees along the walking trails, creating a scene straight out of a cinematic romance. For those who prefer a bit of treasure hunting, the historic district’s local boutiques offer the perfect opportunity to browse for a vintage find or a piece of handcrafted jewelry. There is a certain magic in the slow pace here, allowing for the kind of uninterrupted conversation that modern life so often interrupts.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the intersection of Dalton Road becomes the epicenter of your evening. The choice of where to dine is a delightful dilemma between two of the region’s finest establishments. At The Dalton, set within a masterfully renovated historic bank, the atmosphere is one of moody elegance. You might start by sharing their legendary honey croissants before moving on to a decadent Cajun pasta or a perfectly seared filet mignon. Just steps away, The Mercantile Chophouse offers a more robust, masculine charm where the wood-fire grill reigns supreme. A smoked Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned is the essential companion to their famous Tomahawk pork chop, served in a space that feels both upscale and intimately tucked away from the world.
The evening reaches its crescendo at The Black Rabbit, a 1930s-inspired speakeasy that feels like a delicious secret shared between two people. Stepping through the doors is like stepping back in time, where Victorian décor and dim, amber lighting set the stage for a sophisticated nightcap. Whether you opt for a classic Pink Lady or a complex Paper Plane, the craftsmanship of the cocktails ensures the night ends on a high note. In King, you don’t need a palace to feel like royalty, just a table for two and a spirit
for adventure.
The perfect mountain getaway
is closer than you think:
www.hangingrock.com
